Fish cakes and surimi exports hit USD 100 million in four months
Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi exports maintained strong momentum in April 2025, reaching nearly USD 29 million - up 33% year-on-year. Cumulatively, exports in the first four months of the year exceeded USD 109 million, representing a 32% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Major markets such as South Korea, Thailand, China, and Japan all recorded impressive growth rates, ranging from 27% to 40%. Meanwhile, Vietnamese enterprises have been actively expanding into new markets, including Russia, Spain, and the UK.
The growing popularity of fish cakes and surimi is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient, ready-to-eat foods. Amid soaring seafood prices caused by climate change and resource shortages, surimi has emerged as a cost-effective alternative, making it especially appealing to budget-conscious consumers and the food service industry.
However, the sector faces significant challenges, including raw material shortages, high input costs, intensifying competition from Russian and American pollock, and persistent administrative hurdles related to SC and CC certification processes.
Currently, more than 50 Vietnamese companies are involved in exporting these products, with the top three – Dalu Surimi, Kicoimex, and Khanh Hoang Seafood – collectively accounting for 39% of the market share.
Despite these obstacles, the outlook for Vietnam’s fish cake and surimi industry remains positive, with strong market demand expected to drive continued growth in the coming months.
VFM
